Cycle jumps dug into archaeological site

Cyclists have caused "significant damage" to protected woodland in Warwickshire that hosts important archaeological and historical remains.

Officers said a "substantial network of dirt jumps and tracks" had been constructed by excavating soil throughout the Glasshouse Woods in Kenilworth.

Warwickshire Police Rural Crime Team said the area had "archaeological and historical significance" associated with Roman-period settlement and activity about 2,000 years ago.

It said the scale of the jumps and tracks suggested "considerable time and effort has been spent altering the landscape" and potentially "causing irreversible damage to important archaeological remains".

The force said children using the area for cycling or constructing jumps should understand the importance of protecting the location.

It encouraged them to stay active and get outdoors, but to do so in "appropriate locations" to prevent further damage to the site.

Similar pleas were issued by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust earlier this year after glow-worm habitats were being destroyed by bike users on Kenilworth Common.

The trust said bike tracks had been built throughout the reserve, with trees removed to create jumps and fences and newly planted trees ripped out without permission.

Warwickshire Police Rural Crime Team said it was working alongside agencies including Historic England to safeguard the Glasshouse Woods and prevent further disturbance.

"There is a significant difference between enjoying an outdoor activity and undertaking excavation or construction work on land protected for its national historical importance," the force said.

It warned that any further incidents would result in action against individuals for continuing to damage "this nationally important location".

The police asked anyone with information about the excavation works or those involved to get in touch.

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